The maid took away my plate and I sat awkwardly as everyone else finished their food. Domenico seemed to be winning over Kris’s parents. I was right, Kris had nothing to worry about. As I tried to focus on the details of Domenico’s story about the time he lost his small dog only to find him in their neighbor’s garden, eating their tomatoes, I felt Vlad’s gaze on me. I looked over at him, then tore my eyes from Vlad’s and shifted my focus back to Domenico, pretending to laugh along with the rest of the table. I felt that Vlad could sense my worry somehow.

Jane had been right; my appetite did return once the dessert was served. It was like they said: there was always room for dessert! Plus, I couldn’t turn down my favorite chocolate soufflé. I sighed dreamily as the plate was placed in front of me. With just one spoonful, my mood lightened. “My treasure,” I whispered quietly. Not that quiet apparently because I saw Vlad try not to smile.

After the maids cleared away our plates and everyone was sitting in the living room having a cup of tea or coffee, Kris and I excused ourselves to go to her room. Domenico was making comfortable conversation with Kris’s parents by this point in the evening, and I could tell that Kris was much more at ease, so I didn’t feel bad about pulling her away. Right before we left, Kris and Domenico shared a look and I knew there was a conversation going on between them.

“What was that?” I asked once we got to Kris’s bedroom.

“Nothing. I told Domenico to keep my parents and Vlad occupied.” Kris closed her bedroom door.

We sat cross-legged on her bed. I was happy to be alone with her—between me being banished from all the Gathering events and her commitments to Domenico and his family during their time of grief, I felt like we had barely spent any time with each other over the last few days.

“Tell me what’s up,” I said.

“You know you’re my best friend, right?”

“Yes, of course.” I didn’t see where she was going with this.

“What I mean is, don’t push me away. We’re best friends, we don’t turn away from each other.”

Before I could say another word, we jumped as someone knocked at the door. Kris called for whoever it was to come in. The knob turned and the door opened to reveal Vlad on the other side. “Do Mom and Dad need something?” Kris asked him.

“No,” Vlad answered, his eyes on me. “What’s going on? I knew there was something wrong the second I saw you at dinner.”

“Nothing,” I said casually.

“Maybe it’s best if he also knows,” said Kris.